On Tuesday, the Dutch government announced along with its 2018 budget plans that is going to temporarily raise gaming taxes from 29% to 30.1% from July 2018 to January 2019. The tax rise will affect the revenue from slots, casino gambling and all forms of remote gambling. During the period of six months the Dutch […]

On Tuesday, the Dutch government announced along with its 2018 budget plans that is going to temporarily raise gaming taxes from 29% to 30.1% from July 2018 to January 2019.

The tax rise will affect the revenue from slots, casino gambling and all forms of remote gambling.

During the period of six months the Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit) will have time to implement all the changes implemented in the new law, as per the lawmakers.

Gaming operators have hopes that the changes in the new law will open doors to offer their services to Dutch players.

Analysists estimate that there will be several delays until the implementation of the new law.

Recently, the Swedish iGaming operator Betsson AB lost its bid against Dutch Gaming Authority, Kansspelautoriteit, for igaming prohibition as the Dutch court said that the iGaming ban is legal. Read the article here.

Saxony-Anhalt Finance Minister, André Schröder, has warned that the online gambling legislation efforts of Germany might be failed if its 16 federal individual states do not implement the proposed “Interstate Treaty on Gambling” the sooner. The Interstate Τreaty has been in place since 2012, but has not yet been implemented since the 16 states of […]

Saxony-Anhalt Finance Minister, André Schröder, has warned that the online gambling legislation efforts of Germany might be failed if its 16 federal individual states do not implement the proposed “Interstate Treaty on Gambling” the sooner.

The Interstate Τreaty has been in place since 2012, but has not yet been implemented since the 16 states of the country do not agree with the legislators and because of the confrontation of the EU authorities. According to the Treaty, online sports betting operators will be able to apply for licence and operate.

Schröder reported on media: “The Prime Ministers of all the federal states have agreed on changes to the gaming contract, which was a month-long struggle and a process of weighing up the debts, mainly to address the problems of enforcement that we have with the current regulations – online casinos and sports betting – and to ensure consumer protection.”

“Saxony-Anhalt is in favour of this gaming agreement with its amendments. It is now important to ensure ratification.”

Schröder added: “If the ratification fails in individual countries, then these regulations cannot be applied nationwide as of January 1, 2018. This is unfortunate, because then the current regulations simply would continue.”

“Then the execution problems would continue. That is why we are very much campaigning for the counties to ratify. If this is not the case, we need to consider how we can deal with the continuity of current regulations and what we can do to protect consumers.”

Swedish iGaming operator Betsson AB lost its bid against Dutch Gaming Authority, Kansspelautoriteit, for igaming prohibition as the Dutch court said that the iGaming ban is legal. In 2014, Betsson purchased the Dutch facing Oranje Casino and Kroon Casino online gambling brands for over €100 million, with both companies allowed to operate in the Netherlands […]

Swedish iGaming operator Betsson AB lost its bid against Dutch Gaming Authority, Kansspelautoriteit, for igaming prohibition as the Dutch court said that the iGaming ban is legal.

In 2014, Betsson purchased the Dutch facing Oranje Casino and Kroon Casino online gambling brands for over €100 million, with both companies allowed to operate in the Netherlands as their operations were compliant with Kansspelautoriteit’s rules.

Kansspelautoriteit introduced this year a new set of rules in relation for igaming prohibition in the country where online gaming operators are not allowed to target local players by using typically Dutch symbols, such as tulips and windmills.

Betsson said “the ongoing confusion in the Dutch market as unacceptable,” adding that “the current law in the Netherlands is not in line with EU law.”

Georgian media reported last week that the Republic of Georgia is planning for a total prohibition of online gambling activities and that new regulations would come soon into force by the the Ministry of Finance. While the parliamentarians are pushing for a total prohibition of online gambling activities in the country, the officials of the […]

Georgian media reported last week that the Republic of Georgia is planning for a total prohibition of online gambling activities and that new regulations would come soon into force by the the Ministry of Finance.

While the parliamentarians are pushing for a total prohibition of online gambling activities in the country, the officials of the Ministry of Finance have their doubts.

Deputy Finance Minister of Georgia, Lasha Khutsishvili, said:
“We analyse the world experience to understand how effective those are or other measures taken with respect to online gaming. The international practice shows that at present there are no effective mechanisms to actually prohibit online games. Millions are spent from the state budget on such measures, but in vain.

“The Finance Ministry is also considering this issue from the point of view of fiscal policy, full control over the Internet is associated with very high costs,” he concluded.

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) launched investigations into Ladbrokes Casino, 888 Casino, Sky Vegas and Casumo after receiving in total nine complaints for adverts that were “targeting vulnerable people”. The ads were suggesting that gambling could provide an escape from depression, personal problems and that it could be a solution to financial concerns. One […]

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) launched investigations into Ladbrokes Casino, 888 Casino, Sky Vegas and Casumo after receiving in total nine complaints for adverts that were “targeting vulnerable people”.

The ads were suggesting that gambling could provide an escape from depression, personal problems and that it could be a solution to financial concerns.

One of the ads, specifically for Sky Vegas, referred to “William” who was “£130,000 in debt after having to sell the house and continue to pay out of pocket for his wife’s cancer-related medical bills their insurance wouldn’t cover”.

Sky Vegas said its ad was created by an affiliate and that they never approved it. The ads were published on the affiliate sites casinohack.co and uk.24hoursnews.co. Also, the other operators claimed that the ads were created by affiliates.

ASA stated: “Because we considered that the ads suggested gambling could provide an escape from personal problems such as depression and that it could be a solution to financial concerns, we considered them to be socially irresponsible.”
“The ads must not appear again in their current form.”
“We told the firms that their future ads, including those prepared by affiliates, must be clearly identifiable as marketing communications and to take care to ensure their ads were prepared in a socially responsible way.”

The leading Data Center Provider, NetShop ISP, has announced today that will be hosting Malta’s iGathering10 Private Event which will take place in Malta. iGatherings are private, networking events attended by the iGaming industry’s C-level executives. NetShop ISP, as a leading Data Center Provider in Malta, will be among the 4 companies hosting this event […]

The leading Data Center Provider, NetShop ISP, has announced today that will be hosting Malta’s iGathering10 Private Event which will take place in Malta.

iGatherings are private, networking events attended by the iGaming industry’s C-level executives. NetShop ISP, as a leading Data Center Provider in Malta, will be among the 4 companies hosting this event in September 2017.

About NetShop ISP

Since 2004, NetShop ISP has been a privately owned and operated company specializing in DataCenter Hosting services. Being active in the iGaming industry for the past 7 years, NetShop ISP is, today, among the top choices for hosting by leading Platform Suppliers, Software Developers and iGaming Startups.

Read more at https://maltaigamingsummit.com/igatherings/

The iGaming and Sportsbook Omnichannel platform provider BtoBet confirms that is taking its platform to Cyprus and Budapest during the Bucharest Roadshow. BtoBet’s CMO, Sabrina Solda, said: “I address my congratulations to our team in Bucharest, for the great job done during the Entertainment Arena Expo. They tightened the link with authorities and relevant components […]

The iGaming and Sportsbook Omnichannel platform provider BtoBet confirms that is taking its platform to Cyprus and Budapest during the Bucharest Roadshow.

BtoBet’s CMO, Sabrina Solda, said: “I address my congratulations to our team in Bucharest, for the great job done during the Entertainment Arena Expo. They tightened the link with authorities and relevant components of the gambling industry, such as the Association of Gambling Organizers ROMBET, and also had great feedback from companies willing to develop their business in Central-Eastern Europe with BtoBet’s sportsbook and iGaming platform tech tools.”

Solda added: “Now we are looking forward to continuing our fruitful partnership process and new operations development in Budapest and Cyprus.”

BtoBet will attend the Cyprus Gaming Show (CGS 2017) on the 20th September where the chairman Alessandro Fried will be a panelist, sharing his vision about Technology, Innovation, and Disruption.

He will explain why delivering a totally one-to-one customized experience has become crucial and how operators equipped with the adequate technology can succeed in the regulated and evolving local markets.

On Monday, the Malta-based Swedish operator Betsson released a statement saying “The board of directors and CEO Ulrik Bengtsson have agreed that shall leave the position as president and CEO of Betsson. Following this agreement, Ulrik Bengtsson has chosen to leave his position immediately. No details have been given for his departure. Betsson’s appointed Pontus […]

On Monday, the Malta-based Swedish operator Betsson released a statement saying “The board of directors and CEO Ulrik Bengtsson have agreed that shall leave the position as president and CEO of Betsson. Following this agreement, Ulrik Bengtsson has chosen to leave his position immediately. No details have been given for his departure.

Betsson’s appointed Pontus Lindwall, Chairman of the Board of Betsson AB and founder of the company, as a temporary CEO.
Board member Patrick Svensk takes on Lindwall’s role as chairman until a permanent replacement can be found for the CEO position.

Pontus Lindwall, said: “Ulrik Bengtsson has done a good job for Betsson during the five years he has been employed by the Group.
He has clarified the strategy and implemented significant product launches. On behalf of the Board and myself, I would like to thank Ulrik for his efforts,”

Betsson AB has initiated the process to find a new CEO.

Gibraltar-based, UK-listed online gambling company 888 Holdings Plc has been fined by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) a record penalty of £7.8m over its failings to protect vulnerable and problem gamblers. The UKGC highlighted a technical failure which meant 7,000 customers who had chosen to banned themselves from gambling from their 888 accounts were still […]

Gibraltar-based, UK-listed online gambling company 888 Holdings Plc has been fined by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) a record penalty of £7.8m over its failings to protect vulnerable and problem gamblers.

The UKGC highlighted a technical failure which meant 7,000 customers who had chosen to banned themselves from gambling from their 888 accounts were still able to gamble.

UKGC said in a statement on Thursday : “The issue went undetected for a prolonged period of time, meaning customers were able to deposit £3.5million into their accounts, and then continue to gamble, for over 13 months. While 888 did have self-exclusion procedures in place, they were not robust enough and failed to protect potentially vulnerable customers,”

“The customer staked over £1.3million, including £55k stolen from their employer. During a 13 month period the customer placed a large number of bets, gambling on average 3-4 hours a day. The lack of interaction with the customer, given the frequency, duration and sums of money involved in the gambling, raised serious concerns about 888’s safeguarding of customers at-risk of gambling harm”

Chief executive at the Gambling Commission, Sarah Harrison, stated: “Safeguarding consumers is not optional; this penalty package reflects the seriousness of 888’s failings to protect vulnerable customers.”
“The 888 sanction package will ensure those affected don’t lose out, that the operator pays the price for its failings via a sum that will go to tackling gambling-related harm, and that independent assurance will be given to see that lessons are learnt.”

888 commented in a statement on Thursday that it “accepts the Conclusion of the review and is committed to providing players with a responsible as well as enjoyable gaming experience.”

The customer’s deposit of £3.5 million is included in the penalty and it will be given back to the self-excluded customers.

Yesterday, the MGA announced the launch of a “new efficient and user-friendly Licensee Relationship Management System” accessible through a secure and dedicated web portal. The announcement was made by Malta Gaming Authority’s Executive Chairman, Joseph Cuschieri and the Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, Hon. Silvio Schembri, on a press conference. The […]

Yesterday, the MGA announced the launch of a “new efficient and user-friendly Licensee Relationship Management System” accessible through a secure and dedicated web portal. The announcement was made by Malta Gaming Authority’s Executive Chairman, Joseph Cuschieri and the Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, Hon. Silvio Schembri, on a press conference.

The first phase of the project will see the MGA launching three main online services which are:
-Applications for Remote Gaming Licences
-Dynamic Seal URL requests
-Submission of Players Liability and Gaming Tax Reports

The web portal was undertaken by Microsoft in cooperation with the MGA. The aim of the new portal is to simplify and digitize the process for online and land-based licence applications.

Gambling operators will be able to monitor the state of their applications and respond more effectively to regulatory requirements. The new portal will be the one-stop shop for licensing since the next phase of the project will be completed that will include land-based operations such as casinos, gaming parlours, commercial bingo etc.

MGA’s Executive Chairman, Joseph Cuschieri, said: “The Malta Gaming Authority is taking another step towards achieving efficiency and innovation in the way it conducts its function as a regulator by applying information technology in regulatory processes. This project further aids the Authority in providing a top end service to its licensees and practitioners alike. Our main objective remains; that of exceeding the expectations of all our stakeholders at large. This portal goes a long way in achieving that.”

Parliamentary Secretary, Silvio Schembri, said: “Today, the MGA is launching a new system by which it will be facilitating the communication with clients applying for a gaming licence on our shores. This system will function via an online portal improving the efficiency of the Authority’s regulatory process. This project forms part of the government’s vision for the improvement of our gaming jurisdiction. With similar initiatives, the Authority is excelling in the service given to those wishing to invest in our country, whereby said service always exceeds the expectations of the vast majority of operators.”

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) releases stats for problem gambling, warning the government to take further action against addiction as 400,000 Brits are chronic gamblers. The regulators have also warned that a 4 per cent of the population is ‘at risk’ of addiction. The report also includes: – 63% of adults had participated in some […]

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) releases stats for problem gambling, warning the government to take further action against addiction as 400,000 Brits are chronic gamblers. The regulators have also warned that a 4 per cent of the population is ‘at risk’ of addiction.

The report also includes:
– 63% of adults had participated in some sort of gambling within the past year.
– Women are less likely to gamble than men.
– National Lottery is the most popular form of gambling, followed by scratch cards and smaller lotteries.

Tim Miller, executive director of the UKGC said:
“Whilst overall problem gambling rates in Britain have remained statistically stable, our research suggests that in excess of two million people are at-risk or classed as problem gamblers, with very many more impacted by the wider consequences of gambling-related harm” “We have a clear commitment to make gambling fairer and safer and these figures show that this is a significant challenge.”
“Success will depend upon us, the industry, government and others, all working together with a shared purpose to protect consumers.” “The pace of change to date simply hasn’t been fast enough – more needs to be done to address problem gambling.”

Chairman of the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board, Sir Chris Kelly said:
“These new findings show that gambling continues to cause harm to a significant number of people in Great Britain; they underline the importance of the National Responsible Gambling Strategy being pursued with vigour by everyone with a role to play in its delivery.”
“The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board’s published assessment of progress with the first year of the Strategy identified a number of priority actions where more can and should be done. Gambling operators have a responsibility for leading a large part of this agenda and need to demonstrate they are making a positive impact through their work to protect customers and promote safe play.”

Austria’s government is considering to entitle the internet service providers (ISPs) of the country to block any international website domains that are breaking the local laws. The Ministry of the Interior is planning to revise the Telecommunications Act 2003 in order the local ISPs will be authorised to use “traffic management measures” to prevent any […]

Austria’s government is considering to entitle the internet service providers (ISPs) of the country to block any international website domains that are breaking the local laws.

The Ministry of the Interior is planning to revise the Telecommunications Act 2003 in order the local ISPs will be authorised to use “traffic management measures” to prevent any criminal act such as malware distribution along with copyright infringement and dodgier forms of pornography.

The Austrian Association of Betting and Gaming (OVWG) said that although gambling wasn’t specifically targetted to the proposal, it could be included if the revision will be approved by the legislators.

For a long time, the Austrian government is trying to empower ISPs to block unauthorized online gambling operators’ sites but their efforts have been curtailed by the Court of Justice for the European Union.

Online gambling verticals such as poker and casino are limited to Win2Day, a brand of local operator Casinos Austria and its Austrian Lotteries subsidiary.